African violet plant named Rosalie

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct cultivar of African violet named Rosalie, as described and illustrated, and particularly characterized by its single violet-shaped, white flowers with irregular patches of very light pink; strong, upright flower stems that curve slightly toward the center to form a compact bouquet above the leaves; medium green, heart-shaped leaves; profuse flowering; vigorous and compact growth habit; flowering 9-10 weeks after potting, and by its long lasting and non-dropping flowers.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of African violet plant, botanically known as Saintpaulia ionantha, and hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name Rosalie.

The new cultivar was referred to during the breeding and selection process by the designation 925/46 and is a product of a planned breeding program. The new cultivar was originated from a cross made by me in the controlled breeding program in Haffen, Federal Republic of Germany. The female, or seed parent was a cultivar designated 246. The male, or pollen parent was a cultivar designated 925.

Rosalie was discovered and selected by me as a flowering plant within the progeny of the stated cross in a controlled environment in Haffen, West Germany. Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar by leaf cuttings, as performed by me at Haffen, West Germany, has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for the new cultivar are firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction.

Rosalie has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary significantly with variations in environment such as temperature, light intensity and day length. The following observations, measurements and values describe the new cultivar as grown in Haffen, West Germany and Nashville, Tenn. under greenhouse conditions which closely approximate those generally used in commercial practice.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be basic characteristics of Rosalie, which in combination distinguish this African violet as a new and distinct cultivar:

1) Strong, upright flower stems curving slightly toward the center.

2) Single violet-shaped, bi-colored flowers which are white with irregular very light pink patches on the petals.

3) Profuse flowering.

4) Each plant carries 8-10 and more upright flower stems each of which carries 12-16 and more flowers.

5) Long lasting, non-dropping flowers.

6) Vigorous and compact grower.

7) Plant saleable 9 to 10 weeks after potting.

8) Seed capsules push slightly through.

9) Medium green, heart-shaped leaves.

10) After maturity the flowers dry off, and remain on the peduncle without becoming infected by botrytis.

The accompanying color photographic drawing shows a typical specimen plant of the new cultivar. The colors appearing in the photograph are as true as possible with color illustrations of this type.

In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart (RHS), except where general colors of ordinary significance are referred to. Color values were taken under natural sunlight conditions at approximately 12 p.m. in Nashville, Tenn.

Botanical classification: Saintpaulia ionantha, Ramat., c.v. Rosalie.

Parentage:

Male parent.--925.

Female parent.--246.

Propagation: The new cultivar holds its distinguishing characteristics through successive propagations by leaf cuttings.

Plant: From 8 cm to 10 cm tall when grown in pots, and 20-24 cm in diameter when fully grown.

Leaves.--General form: Heart-shaped. Diameter: 50-60 mm wide and 55-65 mm long. Texture: Velvety. Aspect: Hairy, slightly serrated, slightly shiny. Veins: Upperside: visible; underside: well pronounced, light green, shiny. Color (upperside): Yellow-green group 147 A. Color (underside): Greyed-Green Group 194 C to D with patches of Greyed-Purple Group 186 D. Petiole: Strong, light green, hairy.

Flowers.--Buds: Bell-shaped, light green with pinkish touch, 5-7 mm just before opening. Sepals: Five (5). Color: Green with purplish brown touch. Calyx: Shape: Funnel-shaped. Aspect: Spear-shaped, hairy. Peduncle: Character: Strong upright, hairy. Color: Green with brownish touch. Individual flowers: Size: 35-40 mm. Shape: Single violet-shaped. Color (upperside): White Group 155 D with patches of Red-Purple Group 62 C to B. Under cooler temperatures and more intensive lighting, the pink tends to intensify. Color (underside): White Group 155 D with patches of Red-Purple Group 63 D to C. Borne: Each flower stem carries 12-16and more flowers on strong, upright peduncles that are free standing above the leaves, thereby forming a compact bouquet. Flowering habit: Flowers 9-10 weeks after potting.

Reproductive organs.--Stamens: Two (2). Anthers: 2 composed of 4 anther cells, seed capsules push slightly through. Filaments: Yellowish white, 3-4mm long. Pollen Color: Yellow Group 7 A. Styles: 6-7 mm long, pink, base of ovary light green and hairy.

Roots.--Normally developed, white when young, turning slightly brownish when older.

Disease Resistance: Up to date, Rosalie has shown very good resistance to all major violet diseases.

General Observations: Rosalie is an attractive cultivar due to its interesting bi-colored flowers which are white with irregular patches of very light pink. A tight bouquet of flowers free standing above the leaves develops 9-10 weeks after potting. Each of the 8-10 and more strong flower stems carries 12-16 and more single violet-shaped flowers. Medium green, heart-shaped leaves surround the flower bouquet. The flowers are long-lasting and non-dropping and the seed capsules push slightly through. 

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of African violet plant named Rosalie, as described and illustrated, and particularly characterized by its single violet-shaped, white flowers with irregular patches of very light pink; strong, upright flower stems that curve slightly toward the center to form a compact bouquet above the leaves; medium green, heart-shaped leaves; profuse flowering; vigorous and compact growth habit; flowering 9-10 weeks after potting, and by its long lasting and non-dropping flowers. 